NMU Board Authorizes Phase II Harden Renovations

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a construction authorization for Harden Hall Phase II renovations and related capital projects during a special meeting held this morning via Zoom.

With the Phase I renovation of Olson Library in Harden Hall completed, the next step will be to create a "vibrant, student union-type space" on the first floor, according to Gavin Leach, executive vice president for Finance and Administration.

Plans include a gathering and study space for both resident and commuter students, a performance corner for speakers and solo performances, a fireplace with comfort seating, new and expanded food venues, and new meeting space for student activities.

Leach said the Center for Student Enrichment and the Office of Opportunity, Empowerment and People will move to Harden Hall to be more accessible to students.

"The project also includes relocating the Admissions Office to the Northern Center," he added. "This will increase its visibility and improve the experience for first-time campus visitors by consolidating Admissions and the Orientation/Campus Tours Office in one location."

The Computing Help Desk will shift locations as well, moving to the C.B. Hedgcock Building. The total cost of the renovations is $9.7 million. The board had previously authorized $500,000 for related design services at its Sept. 19, 2025 meeting.

Trustees also approved the following appointments to standing committees for the current calendar year. Board chair Missie Holmquist and NMU President Chris Olsen will serve as ex officio members of the first three committees.

Academic Affairs: Steve Lindberg as chair, along with Venus Joy Brown, Gregory Seppanen, Greg Toutant and Steve Young.

Finance: Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham as chair, with Lisa Fittante, Seppanen and Young.

Policy Review: Toutant as chair, with Brown, Fittante and Lindberg.

Executive: Holmquist as chair, with LaPointe-Dunham, Lindberg and Toutant, along with Olsen as ex officio.

Trustees selected to serve as ex officio members of the NMU Foundation Board are: Fittante, Lindberg, Seppanen and Toutant.

The board also voted to change the previously scheduled Feb. 12-13 meeting to a retreat-only format, with no formal business conducted.